MARLON King has admitted that Blues have to be more clinical if they are to alter their current mini-stutter.

In their first match since playing so well at Reading but losing 1-0, Blues failed to put Peterborough United to the sword after creating a stack of inviting openings in the first half.

The 1-1 draw was a huge disappointment for Blues, who also drew 0-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the memorable Europa League fightback against Club Brugge.

Tomorrow, Blues have one of their games in hand when Burnley visit St Andrew’s.

And lessons have to be learned said King, who notched his first league goal from open play for Blues against Posh.

“We could have been more clinical, in the final third, all around the team in the first half,” said King.

“We created a lot of chances and you have to take them because you can get punished in this league.”

Grant McCann struck a stunning 61st minute equaliser from a free-kick on the right-hand edge of the area and that sent Blues reeling.

King said: “We gave the momentum rather than them taking it from us.

“They altered their shape, but to be honest, there was a period in the second half when we were sloppy and we didn’t do what we did in the first half.

“Peterborough picked up on that. Their fans got behind them and the game changed a little bit. They got their goal and that gave them a lift.

“But we still had chances. David Murphy had a header and there were one or two other bits where we should have got in front again. But we should have had it wrapped up in the first half.”

Peterborough were typically open to start with, and Blues flank players revelled in it, with the full-backs overlapping like there was no tomorrow.

“I think they were a bit naive in the first half,” said King. “We got in a lot of times and that’s when we should have made it count.

“It came back to bite us. That’s football, we learn from it, the gaffer said his words and I think the boys know that we are better than we showed, especially in that second half.

“We can take positives from the performance. Our attacking football can cause anybody havoc.

“We are still unbeaten at home and we want to make St Andrew’s a place that when anyone comes to, they know it’s going to be hard.

“A couple of weeks ago against Reading it was disappointing not to come away with something as well, but it’s a long season. We didn’t lose.”

“There is another game on Tuesday and we can’t dwell on it,” added King.

“Burnley have got to come here and they’re going to know they will have to be at the top of their game to get anything from us.

“The attacking options we have got, and the solid unit we have at the back, from Boaz Myhill, we have not conceded too many goals this season, especially at home. And we’d like to continue that.

“We will take out the positives from the game, and there is a lot of quality in our side.

“But we would like to turn these draws into wins.”

King has now scored four times this season, twice in Europe and twice in the Championship, including a penalty in each competition.

“It’s a long season, 32 games left, and the cups. I set myself targets and I haven’t started by getting as many goals as I’d like to. But due to fitness and other things I think I will slowly pick up as the season goes on.

“It’s good to get on the scoresheet, but I’d like to get on the winning side more than I score.”

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